Thorough Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thorough

[หˆฮธสŒrษ™ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in depth

Complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial.

Synonyms

complete, comprehensive, detailed, meticulous, rigorous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thorough

Use this word when you want to emphasize that everything has been done carefully and completely.

  • She did a thorough job cleaning the house
  • The doctor gave me a thorough examination
complete

This word works well when something has all the parts or elements and nothing is missing.

  • We have a complete set of silverware now
  • The book provides a complete analysis of the issue
comprehensive

Ideal for situations where an extensive and broad coverage of a subject is needed.

  • The report was comprehensive and covered all aspects of the project
  • They did a comprehensive review of the literature
detailed

Best used when describing something with a lot of specific information or particulars.

  • I need a detailed description of the event
  • She wrote a detailed account of her travel experiences
meticulous

This word is suitable when someone is very careful about small details and accuracy.

  • He is meticulous about his appearance
  • The painter was meticulous in his work
rigorous

Use this word when something is extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate, often involving strict standards or rules.

  • The experiments went through a rigorous testing process
  • The program requires rigorous training and discipline

Examples of usage

  • She conducted a thorough investigation into the matter.
  • He is known for his thorough understanding of the subject.
  • The company conducted a thorough review of their policies and procedures.
Context #2 | Adverb

completely

Extremely or very much; to the highest degree.

Synonyms

absolutely, completely, entirely, fully, totally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thorough

Use in situations where you're describing something that has been done with great attention to detail or is very comprehensive.

  • She conducted a thorough investigation into the matter.
  • The doctor performed a thorough examination.
completely

Use when describing something that is done to its fullest extent, leaving nothing undone.

  • She was completely honest during the interview.
  • The room was completely silent.
entirely

Use when you want to emphasize that something is whole or without any parts missing.

  • The project is entirely his responsibility.
  • I disagree entirely with your point of view.
fully

Use when something is done or completed to its total extent, often refers to understanding or capacity.

  • He fully understands the risks involved.
  • The tank is fully loaded.
absolutely

Use when you want to express total certainty or emphasize that there are no exceptions or doubts.

  • He is absolutely sure about his decision.
  • This is absolutely the best movie I've seen this year.
totally

Use in informal contexts to emphasize the complete degree of something, slightly casual in tone.

  • I was totally surprised by the announcement.
  • She totally forgot about the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She cleaned the house thoroughly before the guests arrived.
  • He thoroughly enjoyed his vacation in the mountains.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Being thorough in studies helps students understand subjects better and prepares them for exams.
  • Teachers often encourage thoroughness in projects to develop critical thinking and attention to detail.

Psychology

  • Individuals who are thorough tend to have better problem-solving skills and less cognitive bias.
  • Research shows that thorough people often experience less stress because they feel more in control of their tasks.

Workplace

  • Employers value thorough employees because they can be trusted to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.
  • Being thorough in communication can prevent misunderstandings and improve team collaboration.

Pop Culture

  • In detective movies, a thorough investigation is often the key to solving the mystery.
  • Thorough character development in books or films makes stories more engaging and believable.

Origin of 'thorough'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'รพurh', meaning 'through'.
  • It evolved into Middle English as 'thurh', showing the connection to completeness and finishing a task.

The word 'thorough' originated from the Old English word 'thurog', meaning 'attentive, earnest, zealous'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the English language, reflecting a sense of completeness and attention to detail.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,714, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.